BRACE Character Profile™ Analysis of
Zodiac Killer
Name of Person Rated: Zodiac Input Ratings by: Bryan Nelson Date rated: March 1, 2005 Graphics and analysis aides generated by: Russell L. Smith BRACE Character Profile™ analysis by: Russell L. Smith Date of report: March 31, 2005
My knowledge of the Zodiac case is extremely limited. I have never paid much
attention to Zodiac. In any case, Zodiac is certainly an UNSUB. The purpose
of this analysis is to further identify Zodiac and to profile his cognitive,
behavioral and existential (motivational) functioning for further research.
Zodiac's BRACE Character Profile™ graphics and correlation charts were
generated March 2, 3005. Regardless of previous "profiles" of Zodiac, his
BRACE Character Profile™ will provide unique information. Perhaps someone
close to Zodiac or his case will recognize him.
GENERAL INFORMATION: The underlying structure of the BRACE Character
Profile™ is based on three prototypical character types (Type A, Type B, and
Type C), which are each rated on a 5-point scale on eight Cognitive
variables, eight Behavior variables, and eight Existential or Motivation
variables. The basic graphic generated by a BRACE Character Profile™
represents the degree to which the rated individual's characteristic manner
of thought, behavior, and motivation is similar to or different from each of
the three prototypical character types. Once rated, the individual can be
compared and contrasted with any previously rated individual, real or
imagined, dead or alive, and to any other "prototypical type" in the BRACE
Character Profile™ database (DSM-IV-TR™ personality disorders, 40-point Hare
PCL-R, Asperger's Disorder, etc.).
The input ratings for the BRACE Character Profile™ can be completed by
anyone with basic reading skills and the ability to objectively rate
statements about a well known or accurately imagined individual. The BRACE
Character Profile™ provides a wealth of information, but the individual
rated must be well known or clearly imagined. Consensus ratings by two or
more individuals increases the knowledge base and minimizes rating biases.
However, one objective rater with good knowledge of the character being
rated is sufficient. An analysis of the BRACE Character Profile™ graphics
and correlation charts requires basic knowledge of the three prototypical
character types, which is available on the internet in the Frequently Asked
Section of www.BRACEanalysis.com.
In the final analysis, the BRACE Character Profile™ merely puts the image
that is in the rater's mind into an objective and meaningful format, which
can be shared and considered from many different angles, much like a
hologram or a virtual reality tour of a house. The bits and pieces of
information included in the input ratings are transformed into a virtual
persona of the individual in the mind of the rater. This process is
certainly affected by the knowledge base for input ratings, the objectivity
and critical thinking skills of the rater, and the adherence of the rater to
the BRACE Character Profile™ rating procedures, which are printed on the
input form.
Zodiac's Basic BRACE Character Profile™ Graphic:
Zodiac's basic BRACE Character Profile™ graphic reveals significant
psychopathology in each Domain (Cognitive, Behavioral, and Existential) and
for each character Type (A, B, and C). It is noteworthy that each domain is
dominated by matters of power and control (Type B characteristics), in an
increasing trend from Cognitive to Behavior to Existential. Also note that
the desire for power and control very clearly dominates all other
motivational states (Existential Type B), which would include all appetitive
or consummatory functions (food, drink, sex ... perhaps even air). That is,
all forms of pleasure and comfort are secondary to increasing and exercising
control, which is the most pure manifestation of power.
Visual Comparison of Zodiac's basic BRACE Character Profile™ graphic to the
10 DSM-IV-TR™ personality disorders:
A simple visual comparison of Zodiac's basic BRACE Character Profile™
graphic to the graphics of the 10 personality disorders in DSM-IV-TR™
results in the following findings:
Yes, very likely a match: Antisocial Personality Disorder (301.7)
Not a match, can be eliminated: Schizoid, Histrionic, Avoidant, Dependent,
and Obsessive-Compulsive.
Possible match but unclear at this level of analysis: Paranoid (301.0),
Schizotypal (301.22), Borderline (301.83), and Narcissistic (301.81)
Thus far in the analysis, psychosis can not be ruled-out. However, Zodiac's
relatively low Type A characteristics in the Cognitive domain, in
combination with an absence of Schizoid characteristics, suggests that his
intellectual processes are basically intact. Yet, he spends his cognitive
energies reinforcing his self-centered desires, which are not only
self-serving (high Type C), but are at the expense of others (high Type B).
The additional fact that Zodiac has characteristics consistent with an
Antisocial Personality Disorder is enough to assert that his fantasies
likely involve exercising pathological power and control over others. The
fact that he is not Avoidant or Dependent or Obsessive-Compulsive indicates
a low level of anxiety and a high level of independence.
The Type A characteristics are particularly revealing. Zodiac's
preoccupation with his own cultivated pathology leads him to act-out in ways
that go against his better judgment. Zodiac's cognitive preoccupation with
matters of power and control (fantasy, imagination, cognitive role-playing)
and his actual exercise of power and control (behavioral acting-out) is only
exceeded by his desire for power and control. Zodiac will never be satisfied
when it comes to matters of power and control. He will always increase his
own definition of success, pushing the limits of his behavioral environment.
The high Type A characteristics in the Behavior domain indicate increasing
risk-taking and poor situational judgment.
It is quite clear that Zodiac acts-out his fantasies (Behavior domain) and
cultivates new or expanded fantasies (Cognitive Domain) to replace those he
has acted upon. Overall the graphics suggest that Zodiac is not a
complicated individual. In fact, Zodiac is rather simplistic, his focus is
rather narrow, and he likely sees the world with a distorted, delusional
view. His interests are narrow and limited to his primary motivation --- to
acquire and exercise power and control. His tastes and style are rather
basic and lacking in sophistication.
However, with this and other graphic comparisons, one must keep in mind that
similar Type and similar Domain scores may be generated by different
underlying structures. When a more sophisticated analysis is required, the
ratings that make up each component part of the graphics can be correlated
for direct comparison with any "prototypical type" or any other individual
in the database. It is a quantum leap into the nature of the person rated.
BRACE Character Profile™ CORRELATION SUMMARY ANALYSIS AIDES:
NOTE: A clinician using the BRACE Character Profile™ graphics and
correlations for the DSM-IV-TR™ diagnostic categories will need to keep in
mind that the DSM-IV-TR™ Personality Disorders are not equal in terms of the
types of information used as a "diagnostic criteria" --- nor are they equal
in terms of the number of available criteria that must be met in order for a
diagnosis to be made --- nor are they equal in terms of the number and types
of other qualifiers which must be taken into consideration in order to make
a diagnosis. DSM-IV-TR™ is a categorical classification, but all members of
a diagnostic class are not homogeneous, class boundaries are not clear, and
there is significant overlap between "classifications."
The BRACE Character Profile™ is a dimensional classification system which
provides numerical and graphic information, which may be subthreashold,
based on a quantification of core characteristics common to human nature. In
fact, negative correlations provide as much clinical information as positive
correlations. Bottom line is that a visual comparison of BRACE Character
Profile™ graphics correlation charts help inform clinical opinion or the
opinion of anyone familiar with the BRACE Character Profile™. Some
alternatives can be ruled-out and others more seriously considered through a
more detailed analysis of underlying variables and correlations.
The color coding used in the BRACE Character Profile™ correlation charts is
somewhat like a traffic light:
o GREEN is a GO for high
positive correlation (.05 or higher).
o YELLOW is a CAUTION for a
positive correlation which deserves consideration (.1 to .06).
o RED is a STOP, which
indicates a negative correlation of .1 or higher.
Actually, the negative correlations provide as much useful clinical and
practical information as the positive correlations. It is the combination of
high correlations, both positive and negative, that yields the analysis. If
one knows how a person thinks, what a person thinks about, what a person
does, and what a person wants, then the person is 100% profiled. On the flip
side, if one knows how a person does NOT think, what a person does NOT think
about, what a person does NOT do, and what a person does NOT want, then the
person is also 100% profiled.
Consider the 10 DSM-IV-TR™ personality disorders. When there are several
significant positive correlations and several significant negative
correlations that consistently complement each other in terms of the
functional characteristics, the individual profiled is well formulated and
has a high level of definition provided by the stark contrasts.
Note that "Diagnostic Considerations" means exactly that ... consider ...
and apply clinical skills. The correlations are indicators, but analysis
requires consideration of known facts, other sources of information, and the
analysis of each Type (A, B, and C) and each Domain (Cognitive, Behavior,
and Existential). The BRACE Character Profile™ reflects patterns,
characteristics of thought, behavior, and motivation --- it does not presume
to make clinical diagnoses. There are many potential clinical paths to any
cluster of cognitive-behavioral-existential characteristics.
The following correlation charts ... analysis aides ... include the 10
DSM-IV-TR™ Personality Disorders, a prototypical 40-point HARE PCL-R, and
Asperger's Disorder.
In this BRACE Character Profile™, Zodiac is very precisely defined, with
stark character contrasts, and very clear definition. What Zodiac IS defines
him. What Zodiac is NOT defines him equally well --- his flip side or shadow
profile --- the way he does not think, act, or feel. Combined, the high
number of the positive and negative "hits" indicates a well formulated
character. This is where the deductive and inductive reasoning of the
analyst and the experienced investigator is most exercised.
It is somewhat surprising that Zodiac does not have overall characteristics
consistent with Narcissistic Personality Disorder. This is a critical bit of
information for further analysis, particularly in combination with the
positive correlation with Paranoid Personality Disorder, Antisocial
Personality Disorder, and a prototypical 40-point Hare PCL-R.
Paranoid Personality Disorder is certainly consistent with Zodiac's desire
for control and it is consistent with grandiose fantasies related to power.
It also suggests that the driving force behind Zodiac's homicidal acting-out
is based on a combination of anger/revenge and power/control. Zodiac has
simplistic formulations of the world and a strong tendency to depersonalize
and dehumanize people by stereotyping them and incorporating them into a
role to play on his self-serving want-a-be world stage. However, Zodiac does
not have the avoidant, obsessive-compulsive, and irrational characteristics
generally associated with Paranoid Personality Disorder. But, his paranoid
characteristics are consistent with an Antisocial Personality Disorder. In
fact, the absence of narcissistic characteristics, in combination with a
positive correlation with a 40-point Hare PCL-R, suggests that Zodiac is a
psychopath with predominant antisocial characteristics, which may be
associated with a primary psychosis. Zodiac certainly easily and willingly
violates the rights of others and he very likely has a criminal record which
reflects his anti-social nature.
At this level of analysis, there is also a strong possibility that Zodiac
has a self-cultivated Delusional Disorder, Mixed Type (Persecutory and
Grandiose) (DSM-IV-TR™ 297.1) rather than Schizophrenia, Paranoid Type
(295.30). Zodiac's positive correlation with a prototypical 40-point Hare
PCL-R reflects his lack of empathy for his victims, his dominant antisocial
characteristics, and is consistent with a low level of complexity and low
level of sophistication. Zodiac is estimated to have and IQ between 110 and
120.
DOMAIN DYSFUNCTION:
Cognitive Domain Dysfunction reveals significant positive correlation with a
40-point Hare PCL-R (r = +0.53), and significant negative correlations for
Schizoid Personality Disorder (r = -0.45), Avoidant Personality Disorder (r
= -0.49), and Dependent Personality Disorder (r = -0.68).
Behavior Domain Dysfunction reveals no significant positive correlations.
Significant negative correlations are noted with Schizoid Personality
Disorder (r = -0.43), Schizotypal Personality Disorder (r = -0.39),
Histrionic Personality Disorder (r = -0.36), and Dependent Personality
Disorder (r = -0.34).
Existential Domain Dysfunction reveals significant positive correlations
with Paranoid Personality Disorder (r = +0.69), Antisocial Personality
Disorder (r = +0.40), a 40-point Hare PCL-R (r = +0.49), and traits of an
Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (r = +0.35); and, a significant
negative correlation with Dependent Personality Disorder (r = -0.59).
Analysis:
It is clear that Zodiac's overall positive correlation with Paranoid
Personality Disorder is primarily due to the Existential (motivational)
Domain, which reflects his extreme desire for power and control and his
underlying drive to experience it. Similarly, his antisocial characteristics
derive primarily from the Existential Domain rather than the Cognitive or
Behavior Domain, which indicates that what Zodiac wants is incompatible with
the rights of others, but he does not think or act like a "typical"
criminal. However, Zodiac's psychopathic characteristics are derived from
both the Cognitive and Existential Domains. Consequently, Zodiac primarily
functions as a psychopath. Also noteworthy are the Obsessive-Compulsive
characteristics in the Existential Domain, again reflecting the extreme
desire for mental and interpersonal control and his related anger when his
behavioral environment is not accommodating.
CHARACTER DYSFUNCTION:
Type A: No significant positive correlations. Significant negative
correlation for Dependent Personality Disorder (r = -0.46).
Type B: No significant positive correlations. Significant negative
correlation for Histrionic Personality Disorder (r = -0.50).
Type C: Significant positive correlation for Asperger's Disorder (r = +0.45)
and for traits of Schizotypal Personality Disorder (+0.37). No significant
negative correlations.
Analysis:
The overall Type C positive correlation with Asperger's Disorder (r = +0.45)
and traits of Schizotypal Personality Disorder (r = +0.37) reflect Zodiac's
general impairment in reciprocal social interaction, lack of sensitivity to
others, narrow range of interests, his abnormal and encompassing
preoccupations, and his cognitive distortions. The negative correlations
further indicate that Zodiac is active rather than passive, more reserved
than flamboyant, likely constricted in affect, not much concerned with style
or appearance, and not easily lead or manipulated.
CHARACTER-DOMAIN DYSFUNCTION:
COGNITIVE:
Type A: No significant correlations.
Type B: No significant correlations.
Type C: Positive correlation for traits of Schizotypal Personality Disorder
(r = +0.64). No significant negative correlations.
Analysis:
The Cognitive X Character Type correlations reflect Zodiac's generally
intact "executive functions" (e.g., organization and planning), his ability
to learn from experience, his capacity to control his own behavior and
anticipate the behavior of others, and his discomfort with and reduced
capacity for close relationships, his preoccupation with "secret" knowledge,
special powers and the paranormal, and his high level of cognitive
distortion --- which may reflect an underlying psychosis based on delusion.
BEHAVIOR:
Type A: No significant positive correlations. Significant negative
correlations for Schizotypal Personality Disorder (r = -0.74) and Histrionic
Personality Disorder (r = -0.73).
Type B: Significant positive correlations for Schizotypal Personality
Disorder (r = +0.71) and Avoidant Personality Disorder (r = +0.71), and for
traits of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (r = +0.67). Significant negative
correlation for Antisocial Personality Disorder (r = -0.71).
Type C: No significant correlations.
Analysis:
Zodiac's Behavior X Character Type correlations reveal an acute discomfort
with others and active efforts to avoid social situations and intimate
relationships. He is not trusting of others and is considered by others to
be rather strange and eccentric. The positive Type B and negative Type A
schizotypal characteristics reflect Zodiac's relatively sound reality
contact in spite of his significant cognitive-perceptual distortions and his
willingness to act on them. The negative Type B antisocial characteristics
suggest that his criminal conduct is highly focused and related to his
distorted world view rather than being a pervasive criminal life style.
EXISTENTIAL:
Type A: Significant positive correlations for 40-point Hare PCL-R (r =
+0.77) and traits of Histrionic Personality Disorder (r = +0.64). No
significant negative correlations.
Type B: Significant positive correlations for Paranoid Personality Disorder
(r = +0.88) and traits of Antisocial Personality Disorder (r = +0.70).
Significant negative correlation for Histrionic Personality Disorder (r =
-0.75).
Type C: No significant positive correlations. Significant negative
correlation for Histrionic Personality Disorder (r = -0.71).
Analysis:
Here is the essence of Zodiac. Zodiac has the characteristics of a
simplistic psychopath who desires to be the center of attention, but his
style of interpersonal interaction so insensitive, intrusive, and
controlling that, over time, others tend to avoid and reject him. He is not
trusting of others, does not relate easily or well, and is a social loner.
The more of himself he shares, the less others like him. He anticipates
being rejected and evaluated negatively by others and essentially does not
understand the nature of intimacy. Zodiac substitutes power and control for
intimacy and affection. Zodiac is rather reserved in demeanor and avoids
attracting attention to himself. He wants absolute control and absolute
obedience as opposed to a mutual relationship.
SUMMARY CONCLUSIONS:
Zodiac is an individual with slightly above average intelligence (IQ
estimated 110-120) who has characteristics consistent with those of a
psychopath, an Antisocial Personality Disorder and a Paranoid Personality
Disorder, which in combination likely reflect a delusion-based psychosis,
most likely Delusional Disorder, Mixed Type (Persecutory and Grandiose).
Zodiac has a simplistic world view and is consumed by matters of power and
control. But, in spite of any delusions, he is well aware of the nature of
his criminal conduct and is fully capable of controlling it. He is
independent, assertive, reserved, and likely a loner.
There is another layer of analysis which can be done by comparing and
contrasting Zodiac with other prototypical types (e.g., Sadistic Personality
Disorder) and other fictional (Dr. Lecter) and non-fictional characters
(e.g., BTK) already in the analysis database. If there is any interest, an
addendum can be developed, as it was with BTK.
As serial killers go, I still do not find Zodiac to be a very complex or
interesting character.
Russell
Knot4u2no@aol.com
E-mail your questions or suggestions to
Bryan Nelson
